Events.

South Carolina Aquarium
Jan
16

South Carolina Aquarium

  • Charleston, South Carolina United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Lifelong Learning - Global Discovery

An Evening with Cassandra Quave

Thursday, January 16 | 6–8 p.m.

Is nature the answer to treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and diseases? Dr. Cassandra Quave — ethnobotanist, author and professor — believes plants hold more power than we might think. As part of Lifelong Learning Global Discovery, hear Quave nurture a story of world travel, research and holistic healing rooted in her own personal mission to protect our world from future medical crises.

Member tickets are $20; general admission tickets are $25; light bites, beer and wine will be available. 

A signing of Cassandra’s book, “The Plant Hunter: A Scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines,” will immediately follow. Books may be purchased prior at Itinerant Literate Books, and a small stock will be available at the event. 

Lifelong Learning Global Discovery is made possible by the generous support of the See Stars Fund and presented in partnership with WINGS Women of Discovery, the foremost international organization that funds, elevates and builds community around visionary women leaders pushing the boundaries of science, exploration and conservation. 

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Plant Metabolic Engineering
Jun
15
to Jun 20

Plant Metabolic Engineering

Gordon Research Conference: Innovations in Plant Metabolic Engineering for Health and Sustainability

The Plant Metabolic Engineering GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.

The 2025 conference theme reflects the urgent need to leverage plant metabolic engineering in addressing global challenges related to human health and sustainability. The program will explore a diverse range of topics, including: 1) Industrial applications of plant metabolic engineering, 2) Integration of artificial intelligence, 3) Consideration of plant-microbe interactions for plant metabolic engineering, 4) Engineering plants for enhanced nutrition, 5) Innovations in plant enzyme engineering, 6) Plant engineering for climate resilience, 7) Drug discovery inspired by plant natural products, 8) Plant-based foods and their relationship to human health and diseases. Our carefully curated speaker list includes renowned experts from academia, industry, and government institutions, representing a truly global perspective. The conference will showcase how recent advancements in plant metabolic engineering are driving progress towards a sustainable bioeconomy, improved human health, and ecological preservation. The 2025 Plant Metabolic Engineering GRC aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications. By bringing together diverse expertise—from AI specialists to nutritionists, from industrial biotechnologists to ecologists—we hope to catalyze innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Join us for this unique opportunity to explore the cutting edge of plant metabolic engineering and help shape the future of human health and sustainability.

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Barrier Function of Mammalian Skin
Aug
10
to Aug 15

Barrier Function of Mammalian Skin

  • Waterville Valley, New Hampshire United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Gordon Research Conference: Technologies and Platforms for Understanding, Modeling and Intervening in Skin Barrier Function and Disorders

The Barrier Function of Mammalian Skin GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.

Mammalian skin provides a critical barrier interface between the body and the external environment. For 35 years the Barrier Function of Mammalian Skin GRC has been the premiere and leading scientific meeting of interdisciplinary topics focused on the skin barrier and its role in both health and disease. The overarching theme of the 2025 conference is “Technologies and platforms for understanding, modeling and intervening in skin barrier function and disorders”. The intent is to bring together researchers, scientists, engineers, and clinical practitioners in basic and applied sciences related to skin health and disease. The conference has a focus on biological and biophysical aspects of the skin barrier, while also including new scientific understanding and technology associated with topical delivery of medicines into and through the skin barrier. Some of the major topics of the 2025 conference program will include diversity in skin types and barriers, novel topical drug delivery approaches, roles of adnexa and skin sub-compartments in skin health and disorders, genetics and epigenetics of skin barrier disorders, extra-dermal influences on skin barrier, and artificial intelligence/machine learning approaches to better understand and model the skin barrier.

The conference will bring together diverse scientists, prominent leaders, young investigators, and trainees from academia and industry. Through podium presentations, discussions, and poster presentations, conference attendees will be exposed to the most recent and groundbreaking updates in major themes relating to the skin barrier function. In addition to presentations from prominent leaders in skin barrier research, early-stage trainees and students are supported during the conference. This is achieved through dedicated time in each session that is reserved for presentations from abstracts submitted by students and trainees at early career stages. This approach promotes diversity in the presenters and scientific content and assures that the latest developments in skin barrier are represented. The poster sessions and discussion time following presentations will provide ample opportunities for formal and informal scientific discussion. We will hold a Power Hour to promote discussion about challenges that members of our scientific community face in their careers working on the epidermal barrier. This session will facilitate dialogue about approaches to overcoming these challenges, and discussing new avenues to foster a diverse and inclusive skin research community.

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Ideas Festival Emory
Sep
21

Ideas Festival Emory

Emory Oxford Campus • Oxford, GA

Sat Sept 21 | 2:45pm-3:30pm | Williams Auditorium | Oxford, GA

Ever taken an aspirin? Thank a willow tree for that. Have a loved one who has fought cancer? Many of our most important cancer medicines originated in the yew tree, mayapple, and Madagascar periwinkle. Plants are the basis for a vast array of lifesaving and health-improving medicines we all now take for granted. Ethnobotanist Dr. Cassandra L. Quave shows us how important studying plants is while sharing her own incredible journey as told in her memoir The Plant Hunter: A Scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines. She’ll be joined by the team from the Emory University Herbarium, which this year is celebrating 75 years of botanical research and education! We’ll have plant specimens on display and copies of The Plant Hunter available for sale and signings.

This event is FREE and open to the public. RSVP online.

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The Plant Hunter
Aug
18

The Plant Hunter

Chattahoochee Nature Center • Roswell, GA

General Public: $25 per person

CNC Members: $20 per person

Ages 16+. Pricing includes admission to CNC after the event

Join leading medical ethnobotanist and explorer, Dr. Cassandra Quave, as she shares the story of her quest to develop new ways to fight illness and disease through the healing powers of plants. Blend your own tea and create a DIY herbarium keepsake to take home! Explore the beautiful rounds of the Chattahoochee Nature Center afterwards.

This event is brought to you through the Chattahoochee Nature Center Horticulture Department in partnership with the Emory University Herbarium.

Limited spaces available. Advanced registration is required by Thursday, August 15.

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An Evening with the Plant Hunter & Emory Herbarium
Aug
14

An Evening with the Plant Hunter & Emory Herbarium

Wed Aug 14 | 7pm-9pm | Trees Atlanta Kendeda Building | Atlanta, GA

Ever taken an aspirin? Thank a willow tree for that. Have a loved one who has fought cancer? Many of our most important cancer medicines originated in the yew tree, mayapple, and Madagascar periwinkle. Plants are the basis for a vast array of lifesaving and health-improving medicines we all now take for granted. Ethnobotanist Dr. Cassandra L. Quave shows us how important studying plants is while sharing her own incredible journey as told in her memoir The Plant Hunter: A Scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines. She’ll be joined by the team from the Emory University Herbarium, which this year is celebrating 75 years of botanical research and education! We’ll have plant specimens on display and copies of The Plant Hunter available for sale and signings.

Additional Information:

  • Doors open at 6:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served and the Author will be present to mingle with attendees.

  • Getting Here: Bike racks are located on the side of the building (near the silo in the Picnic Patio). We are approximately 1 mile from the Oakland City and West End MARTA train stations (Red and Gold Lines). Limited number of parking spaces are available at our location, in addition to limited street parking.

  • Registration Required. This event is free. Register to receive updates or reminders for this event. Please consider adding a donation when registering for a free ticket.

  • Safety and Cancellation Policy: Learn more about our current Safety Protocols for In-Person Education Events.

  • Questions: If you have any questions or comments regarding this event, please email education@treesatlanta.org

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2024 Oxford College Commencement
May
11

2024 Oxford College Commencement

Oxford College • Oxford, GA

Oxford College has announced Emory School of Medicine Assistant Dean of Research Cores Cassandra L. Quave 00C P26 as the keynote speaker for its 179th Commencement on Saturday, May 11, 2024. 

Through her many meaningful roles across the university, Quave has learned valuable lessons to share with the Oxford community. She has been impressed with how Oxford students excel in Atlanta and is appreciative of the opportunity to help shepherd that transition with her Commencement remarks.

Read the full announcement here.

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GARDEN CLUB OF AMERICA ANNUAL MEETING
Apr
26
to Apr 27

GARDEN CLUB OF AMERICA ANNUAL MEETING

Garden Club of America Annual Meeting • Hartford, CT

Dr. Quave has been selected as one of the four Honorary Members of the GCA for 2024.

GCA membership and registration required for participation in the annual conference.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024

 4:00 - 5:00 pm MEET THE HONORARY MEMBERS

Club members will relish the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of all four 2024 honorary members in a panel format.

5:30 - 6:30 pm FLOWER SHOW PREVIEW RECEPTION

Please join us for a first look at the fabulous Beyond the Green: Explore. Dream. Discover! Flower Show. Enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail, meet new people, and catch up with friends as we kick off the 2024 Annual Meeting! 

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024

9:00 - 11:30 am ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

Join the GCA's 111th annual business meeting to hear from the GCA President, Marilyn Donahue, and be inspired by clubs from across the country. Keynote speaker Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, will share “Reasons to Be Hopeful On Climate,” and GCA scholar and climate storyteller Charly Frisk will speak to “How Seed Diversity Can Protect Our Food as the World Warms.” GCA Honorary Members will offer remarks to the membership.

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Nature on My Mind
Apr
21

Nature on My Mind

The Plant Hunter: A Quest for Nature's Next Medicines

Nature on My Mind Series • Sharon Forks Library • Cumming, GA

Ever taken an aspirin? Thank a willow tree for that. Ever received a shot of numbing medication at the dentist’s office prior to a procedure? That was originally discovered in a plant too—the cocoa plant from the Andes. What about a painkiller for surgery? Morphine from opium poppy really takes the edge off the post-op pain. Plants are the basis for an array of lifesaving and health-improving medicines we all now take for granted. Ethnobotanist Dr. Cassandra Leah Quave shows us how important studying plants is while sharing her own incredible journey as told in her memoir The Plant Hunter: A Scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines.

Join Dr. Quave at 2 PM on Sunday, April 21st at Sharon Forks Library (2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041) for a FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC event.

Following the lecture, Dr. Quave will have hardcover copies of her book for sale as well as some special items to showcase from the Emory University Herbarium.

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13th World Congress for Hair Research
Apr
6
to Apr 9

13th World Congress for Hair Research

13th World Congress for Hair Research

Dallas, Texas

Dr. Quave is speaking at the conference and chairing the Session 31: “Ethnobotany and Natural Compounds for Hair.” More details, including the full program, can be downloaded at the conference website HERE.

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NIEHS Spirit Lecture & Award
Mar
26

NIEHS Spirit Lecture & Award

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH • Research Triangle Park, NC

The Spirit Lecture and Award, inaugurated by the NIEHS Diversity Council in 2002, recognizes outstanding women in science who have achieved balance in their lives. Successfully navigating today’s workplace involves balancing responsibilities for families, jobs, and the multiple roles in which they participate. In addition, these women mentor and provide outreach to the wider community, all of which compete for their time and talents. In recognition of Women’s History Month, the selected honoree is invited to share her experiences with the NIEHS community at an annual talk and award ceremony. The NIEHS Spirit Lecture became a part of the Diversity Speaker Series in 2018.


Location: Hybrid event on Zoom and in person at NIEHS Building 101, Rodbell Auditorium, located at 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709

  1. Time: 11:00 a.m.-noon

  2. Speaker(s): Cassandra Quave, Ph.D., Emory University

  3. Zoom link

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NATURE’S PHARMACY WITH EMORY UNIVERSITY HERBARIUM
Mar
12

NATURE’S PHARMACY WITH EMORY UNIVERSITY HERBARIUM

Carter Presidential Library & Museum • 441 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Join leading medical ethnobotanist and explorer, Dr. Cassandra Quave, as she shares the story of her quest to develop new ways to fight illness and disease through the healing powers of plants. Blend your own tea and create a DIY herbarium keepsake to take home!

This event is brought to you through the Atlanta Science Festival in partnership with the Carter Presidential Library and Museum and the Emory University Herbarium!

Advance tickets required! $12 tickets can be purchased here under the registration link.

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HOLOBIOME -- FILM SCREENING AND INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION ON HUMANS, MICROBES, AND THE FUTURE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Mar
9

HOLOBIOME -- FILM SCREENING AND INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION ON HUMANS, MICROBES, AND THE FUTURE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Emory University Goodrich C. White Hall, Room 208 • 301 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322

Presented by Emory University Center for the Study of Human Health, Small-r Films, and Novo Nordisk Foundation

Advance registration required.

What if you found out that, on a cellular level, you, your body at least, is more microbial than human… way more! And what if it wasn’t just your body that is more microbial than it seems, but that almost everything, all life on earth, is made possible by microbes? The concept of the Holobiome captures this reality and also beckons us to reconsider our understanding of health and infectious disease, along with our relationship to the microbial world. This event features two innovative short films that explore this emergent, holobiome, understanding of life and health as well as a panel of experts to answer and help audience members navigate the questions raised by these films.

Film 1 (20min) is a documentary featuring the harrowing tale of a young woman and her mother confronting what happens when the human immune system becomes compromised and the drugs stop working.

Film 2 (18min) is a sci-fi / documentary hybrid explores the future past of biotechnology and the need for innovation and more innovative thinking in our relationship with infectious diseases and the microbial world.

Expert panelists include:
Maryn McKenna (moderator) - author and science journalist
Cassandra Quave, PhD - medical ethnobotanist, Emory University
Michael Graziano - the filmmaker
CDR Alison Laufer Halpin, PhD - genomic epidemiologist, CDC
Bradley Burnam - survivor & CEO, Turn Therapeutics

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Flora in Focus: Exploring Rare Natural History Books & Modern Uses of Medicinal Plants
Feb
29

Flora in Focus: Exploring Rare Natural History Books & Modern Uses of Medicinal Plants

Georgia Institute of Technology Library • 260 4th Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30332

Join the Georgia Tech Library Thursday, Feb. 29 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Scholars Event Network Theater, located on Price Gilbert’s first floor, for an exploration into rare 17th and 18th century herbal books and a conversation about the modern uses of medicinal plants.

This event includes a lecture and book signing with The Plant Hunter Dr. Cassandra Quave, whose work connects herbal books from the 17th and 18th centuries to today’s understanding of medicinal plants. 

In her adventure-filled memoir, The Plant Hunter, Quave tells the story of her quest to develop new ways to fight illness and disease through the healing powers of plants.

Following the lecture, attendees will be able to examine herbal manuals from the Georgia Tech Library’s Archives and Special Collections depicting plant illustrations and their medicinal or practical uses during the 17th and 18th centuries. Experts will detail how these books were used and distributed, as well as their contributions to knowledge about medicine and natural history at the time of their publication. 

Free and available online or in person. Registration required.

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Sharing in Medicinal Plant Knowledge Workshop at San Diego Botanic Garden
Feb
28

Sharing in Medicinal Plant Knowledge Workshop at San Diego Botanic Garden

Join Dr. Quave, Dr. Gary Nabhan, and other experts on medicinal plants for a workshop at the San Diego Botanic Garden! Please register here by February 24.

Medicinal plants have been used to aid human health from time immemorial. From traditional uses to modern medicine, they offer innumerous health benefits. Many have dedicated their lives to sharing the knowledge of their use. Join us for an informative and inspirational multi-speaker workshop to help build knowledge and understanding of our connection to the healing powers of plants. 

The workshop will be opened by “Nature’s Pharmacy" with Dr. Quave, “The Plant Hunter”. The answer to some of the world’s most pressing problems could be held within our oldest remedies! Join award-winning author, explorer, and host of the Foodie Pharmacology podcast, Dr. Cassandra Quave, as she shares the story of her quest to develop new ways to fight illness and disease through the healing powers of plants. Create your own tea blend and grab a signed copy of The Plant Hunter, hailed as one of the best books of 2021 by Kirkus!

Additional experts and practitioners of traditional medicine will give insights into improving human health through using smell, taste, and touch to connect with medicinal plants, including:

Bringing Native Plants into the Holistic Healing Toolkit with Brophy Toledo (Native American Healer from Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico) 

Many people find their curative agents in native medicinal plants, and some Western doctors work hand in hand with traditional healers, including Brophy, to find optimal health outcomes for patients in need. Brophy will talk to us about and demonstrate the importance of our connection with the planet, connection with the plants, and connection with all the other living organisms that has allowed for traditional healing to remain important since ancient times through modern days and still going strong into the future.

Fragrance gardens and their health benefits in the face of climate change with Gary Nabhan (Distinguished Professor in Arizona)

As a designer of desert fragrance gardens, agave gardens and contemplative gardens, ethnobotanist Gary Nabhan will discuss fresh research of the health benefits of fragrant native desert herbs, shrubs and agaves in the face of climate change and the increasing epidemic of diseases of oxidative stress. He will also discuss the health benefits of involving youth in hands-on ecological restoration of native habitats.

Connecting People to Medicinal Plants with Corinne Feinberg (Pathlight Healing Herbalist in San Diego) 

This will be a first-hand experience of the medicinal benefits of plants that reminds us that herbal medicine doesn't have to be purely based in rote memorization, but rather felt experience of imbibing a single-herb tea/infusion internally can provide a whole host of understanding about the medicinal aspects.  It will be an opportunity for participants to notice how palpable herbal medicine is in their bodies and realize the potential of plants to communicate through our senses.

Cost: Members $12, non-members $18. Workshop fees include Garden admission and lunch.

Class format: In-person, indoors

Please register here by February 24.

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Oct
18

ACMAP Conference

Join Dr. Quave at the 12th Annual Conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants (ACMAP) to be held at West Virginia State University in Charleston, West Virginia, USA from October 18-21, 2023. Dr. Quave will deliver the opening keynote at the conference on October 18th. Registration is required. Learn more at the conference website.

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Sep
11

Auburn University

Dr. Quave will be giving a lecture entitled “Ethnobotany-guided approaches to anti-infective natural product discovery” at Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy in Auburn, AL.

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Aug
31
to Sep 4

Dragon Con

Join Dr. Quave in Atlanta, GA, USA at the the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe! She’ll be participating in a number of events on the science track. Learn more about the convention and get your tickets on the Dragon Con website.

Here are the event details:

Thursday, 8/31/2023

Meet the Science Track

  • Come meet the Science Track participants and get a sneak peak at what we have planned this weekend. Scientists explain their research in 2 minutes and one slide! PowerPoint Karaoke! A hint at the movies that will be on Science vs Movies! Come dressed as your favorite science person or idea, real or fictional!

  • 2-min lightning talk: Cassandra Quave, Jason Wallace, Alison Eastman, Kevin Grazier, Melissa Miller, Lucas Hernandez

  • PPT Karaoke: Matt Jarrett, Jason Wallace, Charlie Kaufman, Melissa Miller, Alison Eastman

  • Time: Thurs 07:00 pm

  • Location: Hilton 209-211 (Length: 1 Hour)

Friday, 9/1/2023

Scientifically Getting Away With Murder

  • Bring your best plans for getting away with murder and let our panel of experts tell you where you're likely to fail. It doesn't take a Charlie Cale or Jessica Fletcher to trip you up, after all.

  • Panelists: Raychelle Burks, Brandon H Strauss, Cassandra Quave, Jamie Bernstein, Emily A Finke

  • Time: Fri 07:00 pm

  • Location: Crystal Ballroom Hilton (Length: 1 Hour)

The Year in Science After Dark

  • All of this year's science news that's too spicy to discuss before 10 pm.

  • Panelists: Savannah Miller, Brandon H Strauss, Paul B Currie, Cassandra Quave, Jamie Bernstein

  • Time: Fri 10:00 pm

  • Location: Crystal Ballroom Hilton (Length: 1 Hour)

Saturday, 9/2/2023

Breaking Barriers: Empowering the Disabled in Fandom

  • Engage in a dynamic discussion that tackles the challenges faced by the disabled in the world of fandom. Discover inspiring solutions and explore ways to create a more inclusive and accessible fan community.

  • Panelists: Clay Gilbert, Emily Ruth Henderson, Cassandra Quave, Lezli Robyn, Cass Teague(M)

  • Time: Sat 02:30 pm

  • Location: Hanover AB Hyatt (Length: 1 Hour)

Plant Pharmacology

  • Plants are master chemists, cooking up compounds we've used as painkillers (willow bark, opium), stimulants (coffee, tobacco), antiseptics (witch hazel), and even heart medications (foxglove)! Plus we hear they have recreational uses.... Join us on a trip into the lush jungle of plant pharmacology.

  • Panelists: Cassandra Quave, Tina Hesman Saey, Jenn Hardee, Liz Decolvenaere(M)

  • Time: Sat 04:00 pm

  • Location: Crystal Ballroom Hilton (Length: 1 Hour)

Sunday, 9/3/2023

Hands On Science Power Hour

  • Got an hour? We've got hands on experiments for you! Stop by and see how many of our events you can tackle in an hour. Suitable for kids and adults alike!

  • Time: Sun 10:00 AM

  • Location: Hilton 209-211; 1 Hr

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Aug
17

Uppsala University: NorDoc 23

Dr. Quave will be offering a special course lecture at NorDoc 23 in Uppsala, Sweden. The course focuses on offering the latest insights into research on multidrug-resistant bacteria. Dr. Quave’s lecture is entitled “Antibiotics drug discovery from natural products.”

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Oct
1

Integrative Dermatology Symposium

  • Loews Ventana Canyon Resort - Tuscon, AZ - In Person Event (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Dr. Quave at the Integrative Dermatology Symposium. She’ll be presenting “The Plant Hunter: Botanicals And The Future Of Skin Health” at 9:30 AM and will also sit on the Exploring Skin Care Ingredients: Botanicals And Beyond Panel at 2:30 PM. Learn more and register to attend in person or online.

Learn more

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